United Nations: 2014 will be the hottest year ever

According to new temperature data analyzed by the United Nations‘ World Meteorological Organization, 2014 is currently tied with 2010 for the hottest year on record—suggesting that there has been no slowdown in global warming. By the end of the year, 2014 may well claim the top spot. The UN’s data shows that the global average temperature was 1.03º F (0.57º C) above average between January and October. Meanwhile, ocean temperatures hit a new high, and land temperatures were in the top five highest-ever since the 19th century, when record-keeping began.

Earlier this year, the World Meteorological Organization also released data that carbon dioxide concentrations in the planet’s northern hemisphere have exceeded 400 parts per million—the highest monthly average on record, ever, and a 40% rise since humanity started burning fossil fuels, and the highest levels of CO2 the world has seen for millions of years.

Shockingly, researchers at the University of New South Wales found in January that unless we’re able to cut the production of these greenhouse gases, the global temperature may increase by a minimum of 7.2º F (4º C) by 2100—twice the level deemed dangerous to humans.

Experts from the WMO hope that the new data about increasing average planetary temperatures will silence the climate skeptics. But then again, a recent Gallup poll found that 1 in 4 Americans are “solidly skeptical” of global warming.